Leema Acoustics, the internationally respected hi-fi manufacturer founded and run by two ex-BBC sound engineers, has launched the Libra DAC/preamp, an astonishingly featured- packed high-resolution digital hub, combining highly advanced digital technologies with an incredible complement of connectivity options.

The Libra is the latest addition to Leema Acoustics’ flagship Constellation series and has the same precision-machined casework as the award-winning Tucana amp and Antila CD player. Designed and built by Lee Taylor and Mallory Nicholls (Leema), Libra’s simple-yet- elegant looks conceal a staggering array of class-leading technologies. The new Libra crystallises Leema’s decades of experience in digital audio for professional studios worldwide.

The new high-resolution DAC/preamp is thoughtfully future-proof, too. It contains Leema Acoustics’ new fully balanced Quattro Infinity dual-mono DAC modules which are field- replaceable; should conversion technology improve in the future, the modules can be upgraded, giving long-lasting flexibility throughout the product’s lifespan. The advanced Quattro Infinity modules also feature user-selectable output filters, for maximum flexibility with higher sample-rate sources.

Comprehensive connectivity

The Libra boasts a class-leading range of connectivity options for the digital age, bringing the latest digital audio engineering to a wide range of connected devices. The Libra offers three coaxial and three optical inputs, capable of accepting high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz audio. For high-end partnering equipment, the Libra also offers some more esoteric options, including two I2S inputs via RJ45 connectors. With fully programmable pin-allocation on one of these inputs in software, any high-end source with an I2S interface can easily be accommodated. Source components with professional standard AES/EBU outputs can also be connected: the Libra offers two input connections available via industry standard XLR connectors.

Leema’s class-leading M1 USB module provides a connection for computer audio replay from both Windows (driver software included), Macintosh and Linux machines. This interface is fully asynchronous, allowing the Libra to precisely regulate the data rate coming from the computer and deliver incredibly low jitter levels. This feature, together with full galvanic isolation using cutting- edge spinning-electron technology, ensures that music delivered over USB is as good as current technology will allow.

Analogue preamp, too!

Of course, Libra is more than just a high-resolution DSD DAC. Libra offers three separate analogue inputs, each of which can be individually configured as unbalanced, via RCA Cinch connectors, or fully balanced via XLR connectors. The entire signal path, both digital and analogue, is fully balanced from the digital data stream, to the balanced analogue outputs. Flexibility features again in the output section. The Libra is able to operate either as a conventional audio component with fixed output level, or as a high-end pre-amplifier with full analogue volume control on-board. Outputs are provided via unbalanced RCA/Cinch connectors and balanced XLR connectors. Libra is also a full LIPS controller (see below) and can control Leema Acoustics’ range of power amplifiers directly.

Bluetooth, headphone stage and more…

For added flexibility in the digital age, the Libra also has an optional Bluetooth interface, allowing high-quality music replay from suitably equipped tablets, smartphones and other compatible devices, quickly, easily and wirelessly. For personal listening, a very high-quality headphone amplifier is also included, further enabling the Libra as the ideal single-box D/A conversion solution.

LIPS

LIPS is an acronym of Leema Intelligent Protocol System. It is a communication bus that enables Leema Acoustics components to communicate with other units in the range. The communication enables simple control of power on/off from one unit, right up to the control of all functions in a Leema Acoustics system, comprising up to 15 individual components.

Leema Acoustics is an internationally respected manufacturer of high-performance audio products founded by two ex-BBC sound engineers, both of whom have a long history in pro and domestic audio. Founders Lee Taylor and Mallory Nicholls (Leema) lead all of the company’s design work, with everything proudly hand-made in Wales using UK- and European-sourced components.

Founded in 1998, Leema Acoustics’ unique design processes, fanatical attention to detail and pursuit of accurate sound reproduction have seen the company win numerous press accolades in recent times. Today’s Leema Acoustics incorporates the latest technology into a product range that covers electronics, loudspeakers and cables, delivering complete high- performance audio solutions to consumers, with the benefits of expert design, UK hand- assembly and local component sourcing.

In the early 1990s, Mallory Nicholls manufactured the world’s leading 5.1 monitoring electronics for recording studios and mastering houses under the MAGTRAX brand; whilst the BAFTA and Palme d’Or award-winning Lee Taylor, has countless years’ experience in recording and mixing for the film, television and music industries. Together, Lee and Mallory continue to innovate using their unrivalled experience in audio to produce some of the world’s finest audio equipment.